Antonio Silva: Even if he was 'created in a lab,' I want to fight Alistair Overeem

While it appears former Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem (36-11 MMA, 1-0 UFC) could be in line for a UFC title shot, it doesn’t seem the “Demolition Man” is necessarily willing to wait for such a fight.

So if Overeem is intent in returning as soon as his suspension ends in late December, he’s got a willing opponent: Antonio Silva (17-4 MMA, 1-1 UFC).

“Bigfoot,” who is coming off a recent win over Travis Browne, said he’s more than happy to take on the massive Overeem, even if he was “created in a lab.”

“If Overeem really doesn’t want to have to wait for a fight after his suspension is up, I am here ready to welcome him,” Silva today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). “I respect him as an athlete. After all, he was K-1, DREAM and Strikeforce champion. But I am not worried about titles or belts right now.

“Overeem is big and strong, but I know I can beat him. Even if was created in the lab, I can beat him.”

The massively chiseled Overeem has long been at the center of controversy regarding performance-enhancing drug use accusations. The Dutchman long contended he was a “clean fighter” and the “most-tested athlete in sports.” However, he was suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission earlier this year when a a pre-UFC 146 drug test was flagged for a 14-to-1 testosterone-to-epitestosterone (T/E) ratio, more than twice the 6-to-1 ratio allowed by the commission.

Overeem maintained his innocence throughout his NSAC hearings and suggested a prescribed injection was responsible for his heightened ratios. Still, the NSAC issued him a nine-month suspension that ends Dec. 27.

UFC President Dana White recently revealed Overeem is still considered the division’s No. 1 contender and is welcome to wait for the Dec. 29 bout between current champ Junior Dos Santos and former title holder Cain Velasquez to determine his next appearance, which would be for the UFC heavyweight title.

But Overeem’s camp recently warned they weren’t sure if waiting was their client’s best option. After all, injuries and other unpredictable hurdles could mean the fight wouldn’t take place for several months after the UFC 155 headliner, and Overeem’s primary goal right now is to get back to competition for the first time since a December 2011 win over Brock Lesnar.

So if Overeem is itching for a fight, Silva said he’s more than happy to provide a test. Oh, and that challenge – while generally respectful – comes with one more mandatory PED crack, as well.

“To me, Overeem is among the best fighters in the world, and I want to always fight the best,” Silva said. “Of course, where I come from – Paraiba, in Brazil – our supplement of choice is molasses, and our strength is our attitude and we will fight whoever, whenever. Let’s see if Overeem can say the same.”

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.
(Pictured: Antonio Silva)